A street-fighter looking for a better way of life takes a chance in this made-for-television movie. Charles Bronson stars as Chaney, a Depression-era bare-knuckles fighter who teams up with a slick promoter -- and gambler -- named Speed… MoreA street-fighter looking for a better way of life takes a chance in this made-for-television movie. Charles Bronson stars as Chaney, a Depression-era bare-knuckles fighter who teams up with a slick promoter -- and gambler -- named Speed (James Coburn) to make it in the big-time world of New Orleans prize-fighting.

Riding on the coattails of the popularity of The Sting and Bonnie and Clyde before it, Walter Hill's Depression era tale, while Hollywood's… MoreRiding on the coattails of the popularity of The Sting and Bonnie and Clyde before it, Walter Hill's Depression era tale, while Hollywood's picturesque version of the times (even the dirt is cleaner), and often with the puppeteer's strings very much in evidence, it still charms through the work of the familiar experienced cast that sells the by now cliche story of the iconic mysterious stranger coming to town to change everything. And Strother Martin!

danny d

fantastic fight flick

Stella Dallas

a gritty film about bare knuckle boxing in depression era new orleans. nice atmosphere, coburn is entertaining, and bronson is alright as long as he keeps his… Morea gritty film about bare knuckle boxing in depression era new orleans. nice atmosphere, coburn is entertaining, and bronson is alright as long as he keeps his mouth shut. strother martin is interesting as the philosophical cut man

Danny Rovira

A hard-hitting powerful drama and richly textured film by Walter Hill in his auspicious directorial debut, a engrossing tale about a middle-aged drifter and… MoreA hard-hitting powerful drama and richly textured film by Walter Hill in his auspicious directorial debut, a engrossing tale about a middle-aged drifter and bare-knuckle street-fighter named Chaney, who is a quite man of great integrity and few words, and an absolute master when comes to his amazing fighting skill, he is memorably played by Charles Bronson in one of the finest performances of his long career. Chaney gets caught up in the brutal illegal bare-fisted fight game of New Orleans during the Great Depression, he is out to make some quick money the only way he knows how, with his fists. Chaney approaches a slick small-time hustler named Speed, played by James Coburn who delivers a wonderfully colorful performance, and convinces him to be his manager and arrange bouts for him for a piece of the action, by knocking out his opponent in first few seconds of the first round, of his very first fight, impressed by Chaney fighting ability Speeds plans for a big money fight with the local champion, a grinning muscle bound giant nicknamed Skinhead, superbly played by character actor Robert Tessier, in a sensationally choreographed fight sequence in a steel-mesh inclosed bull pen at warehouse, Chaney wins more than a few fights, but Speed's carelessness with his money and indebtedness to a gang of cutthroats, put his very life on the line, if Chaney does not have one last fight with a monstrous fighter named Street, played by Nick Dimitri in a chilling cold-blooded performance who they have brought in special from Chicago just to take on the unbeatable Chaney.The final bone crushing climatic match between Chaney and Street is truly spectacular, it is one of the best hand-to-hand combat sequences in cinematic history, brutal and intense. There are two terrific supporting performances by Strother Martin, as opium addicted ex-medical student named Poe, and Jill Ireland as a lonely street walker named Luby Simpson. Marvelous cinematography by Phillp H. Lathrop, and a splendid score by Barry DeVorzon, a compelling and utterly winning motion picture. Highly Recommended.

Alex roy

Charles Bronson, for me is one of Hollywood's classic bad ass actors. Along with greats like Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, Lee Marvin and Henry Fonda to… MoreCharles Bronson, for me is one of Hollywood's classic bad ass actors. Along with greats like Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, Lee Marvin and Henry Fonda to name a few, he has carved a niche in cinemas one of the finest tough guy actors ever. By the time he made this movie, Bronson had already assembled an impressive repertoire of films to his name. Film such as The Dirty Dozen, The Mechanic and Death Wish made him one of the best actors. Where does his role as bare knuckle boxer fit in? This is a compelling and well acted movie that relies on a great cast to tell its story. Bronson plays Chaney, the bare knuckle boxer who is hired by Spencer "Speed" Weed, brilliantly played by James Coburn. This is a well crafted film by Alien Screenwriter Walter Hill, who makes film in the director's chair. Bronson fans will certainly enjoy this change of pace, as he has mostly starred in action films. Hard Times is more of a drama. I thought that Bronson brought a unique charm to Cheney, who happens to be a drifter with great fighting skill. The fight scenes are great and well executed, and the cast do a fine job in their performances. Walter Hill is a great director, and he most certainly crafts a great first film with this one. If you love period pieces, then check this one out. With a great cast, and wonderful story, Hard Times is sure to be an entertaining picture that is worth your time. Hard Times delivers something different for fans of Charles Bronson, and if you enjoy a good drama with an engaging story, then this film is a must see. Walter Hill is a director that can create something raw, gritty and in your face, and that is how I would describe this power house movie. Hard Times is one of the best films starring Charles Bronson, and even with the fact that he has made several classics before this, Hard Times is one of of his most defining works in terms of acting and skill.

Aj V

Sure it's a tough violent movie, but the story is familiar and predictable. It has a good cast, but it's pretty boring for the most part.

Lady D'arbanville

I have very little to write about this film other than it is dull and boring and very one-dimensional, without much of a story at all.

Christopher Brown

Bronson kicking ass in the depression. Great film that works dramatically and as an awesome duke it out film.

xGary Xx

Charles Bronson plays Chaney, a drifter who chances upon small time bare knuckle boxing manager James Coburn and they form a partnership to make some money in… MoreCharles Bronson plays Chaney, a drifter who chances upon small time bare knuckle boxing manager James Coburn and they form a partnership to make some money in depression era New Orleans. A great sense of period in a similar vein to Bonnie And Clyde permeates this compelling streetfighting drama, directed with the usual no-nonsense approach of boy's own favourite and Peckinpah protege Walter Hill. To be sure, it's a veritable testosterone fest, but it's by no means your typical Van Damme style action nonsense. Bronson has never been better as the laconic fighter who sees his bouts as pure business; there's no malice in him and there's a total absence of the kind of glorification of violence you see in most boxing films. In this way it has far more in common with the likes of Raging Bull or On The Waterfront. Coburn is also excellent as the smart mouthed hustler he befriends and Jill Ireland's unsentimental love interest has never made the down at heel seem more glamorous. A simple but effective story that highlights Bronson's consummate badassery without the usual trashiness that accompanies most male-orientated tough guy films and easily one of Hill's best moments.

Ken Stachnik

Coburn and Bronson together again? Under the direction of Walter Hill? What's not to love?

Adam Mahler

Bronson seems to have 50 extra muscles in his face for minute changes in expression; like he became the best at one very small part of acting